A total of 22 images of artifacts in National Palace Museum’s collections can be downloaded free of charge for use in the game “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” developed by Japan-based Nintendo Co. Ltd., according to the Taipei City-based art institution May 21.
Including famed artwork like the Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-shaped Stone sculptures from the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) as well as the painting “Up the River During Qingming” from the same era, the images are available in the museum’s open data archives. Gamers can download the patterns by scanning the webpage’s QR Codes using the Nintendo Switch Online app and enhance their tropical island in the life simulation game with cherished masterpieces.
The offering is part of NPM’s open data initiative established in 2015 with the goal of providing direct access to the museum’s images and research materials for educational, commercial and personal purposes, an approach in line with the practices of major museums around the world.
According to NPM, over 10,000 high-resolution images along with over 70,000 medium- and low-resolution photos of artifacts, calligraphy scrolls and paintings are currently available in the database. The institution hopes the resources can enrich people’s lives by making cultural relics more accessible.
Established in 1965, the NPM is home to the world’s largest collection of Chinese imperial art spanning 7,000 years from the prehistoric Neolithic period to the end of the Qing dynasty. The institution opened a second branch in southern Taiwan’s Chiayi County in December 2015 showcasing artifacts from diverse Asian civilizations. (YCH-E)
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